What information is recorded in Block 33a of the CMS-1500 form?

Block 33a of the CMS-1500 form is designated for the National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. This block is crucial because it ensures that the provider's identification is correctly submitted for billing purposes. The NPI is a unique identification number for healthcare providers in the United States, which is essential for processing claims and ensuring proper payment by insurance companies.

The inclusion of the NPI in this specific block helps to streamline the claims process by providing a standardized method to identify healthcare providers, thereby reducing the risk of errors or confusion regarding provider identity. This is particularly important in an environment where multiple providers may offer similar services, as it allows for accurate attribution of services rendered.

Filling out Block 33a correctly is vital for reimbursement from insurance companies and for compliance with various health regulations. Other options pertain to different types of information not recorded in this particular block, like the claim amount, patient ID number, or referring physician's name, which are captured in other sections of the form.